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The Best Pubs in Toronto

The best pubs in Toronto are a handful of unique locales that reflect the city's increasingly complex tastes in beer, our preference to support local talent as opposed to franchises, and the value that a sense of community can bring to the after-work-pint-and-a-bite experience.

Sure, they're the kind of places where the staff is engaging, and the menu and drink list is carefully considered, but they're also places that harken back to the origin of the word "pub" to the public houses of old that fostered a sense of community and reflected a city's culture. They're the kind of places you might feel as comfortable spending a late night as you would a thoughtful Sunday afternoon or maybe even bringing the kids on Saturday.

While this place is rightfully known for the fantastic beers that are made on-site, Bellwoods and its rustic, minimal dining space has become something of cultural hub for the burgeoning Ossington Strip. Its intimate 40-seat dining space (double that when the patio's open), simple menu, and outstanding beer have redefined the city's notion of a neighbourhood bar and clearly, we're all on board. More »

Long a favourite among the city's beer fans, barVolo with its 125 different beers used to be one of a select few destinations for craft beer. It's since been joined by a slew of others but their dedication to a rotating list of beer on tap and hosting all manner of beer-related ensures that this cozy and newly renovated Yonge street staple remains a crowd pleaser. More »

You get the sense that the regulars at this hole in the wall on the Danforth would prefer no one else knew about it, but unfortunately for them The Only's laid-back vibe, outstanding beer tap curating, and casual bring-your-own-food approach has made what once may have been a best kept secret one of the city's go-to destinations for pints or even weekend brunch. More »

A Mirvish Village staple for over a generation, the Vic boast arguably the best patio in the city during the summer and a year-round dedication to all things local. They've got cask ale and an extensive beer menu along with a reasonably priced, locally-sourced menu and the upstairs space hosts live music, poetry readings and all sorts of bohemian offerings. And did I mention the patio? More »

Roncy locals will most certainly question why this fun, laid back pub isn't ranked higher. The go-to place for pre- or post-movie libations for folks headed to the Revue, The Local lives up to its name not only by supporting fiercely loyal regulars but also by serving locally sourced food, pouring locally made wine and beer, and showcasing local musical talent. More »

Seemingly the lone holdout on this year's list for traditional English pubs, the Queen and Beaver is arguably the city's best sophisticated bar experience with classic British fare all made from scratch and two bars (and two patios) pouring a broad selection of beers that might perfectly accompany a football game. More »

If you're looking for character and a place that's a little rough around the edges, this George Brown student hangout is the place for you. Thrift store furniture, big tables, reasonably-priced pub fare, a large draught list, and a decidedly laid-back vibe make this King East classic a destination for a fun evening with no pretense. More »

This Dundas West brewpub is at the heart of a booze-fueled revival currently taking place in the city's Junction neighbourhood. Along with a bustling atmosphere and a menu featuring in-house smoked delectables and wood oven pizza, Indie's on-site brewed craft beer is literally bringing the community together as they supply the area with beer and welcome in neighbours for collaborative brew days. More »

Having moved to new digs next door two years ago, House on Parliament remains a local institution. The new space is a little more modern and the larger size means you'll have less trouble getting a table, but it retains all its casual charm, reasonably priced fare, and the solid draught list that makes this a Cabbagetown classic. More »

Around for over 20 years, Rebel House is arguably the city's first gastro pub, featuring above average pub fare at reasonable prices and a draught list of local options sure to please any beer snob. However the low-key vibe and excellent terrace patio make this perennial Rosedale favourite welcoming and far from pretentious. More »

Boasting 140 single malt scotches and a handful of blends, The Caledonian is a place for serious, no nonsense drinking, as a good Scottish bar should be. There's traditional Scottish fare, specials made from local organic produce, and an intimate leafy patio that Little Italy locals know is one of the city's best kept secrets. More »

One of the city's newer pubs, Bar Hop has already established itself as a craft beer destination and a haven for those seeking a cozy pint among the 905ers and dance-music of King Street West. In addition to an-ever changing draught list, there's excellent food and frequent specials like Buck-a-shuck oysters every Tuesday. More »

Kinda nice that the locations on the map are pretty spread out. Usually it's all concentrated in one area.

I kind of see places like The Only and Betty's as being "pubs" but then Bellwoods and Volo as being more beer bars, or restaurants... But they don't feel like "pubs" to me. I don't love them any less, but I love them for different reasons than why I like a "pub".

Victory Cafe is terrible, Bar Volo barely has food, and the drink selection at most of these places is abysmal. Why yes, I'd love a $5 bud light. Where's Bryden's where I can get the best nachos in town, sit in a comfy chair, and drink a $5 cask ale?

yeah quite a number of these aren't really pubs and are bars, or higher end dive bars. Was looking forward to an illuminating list of pubs with hopefully a couple more to try out but instead it's a standard list of non-nightclub drinking establishments in the city.

Pitchers/bottles. w/e. It wasn't beer. I would actually like to go there, but sadly like a lot of places its stuffed with people who like to dress up pretending they have money, want to be seen somewhere that's 'cool', buy one drink and sit there for hours drinking water.

Practically in Etobicoke? Maybe. On the subway line? Yes, 1 minute from Jane station. Too far for nachos? Definitely not, especially if you add in a beer or two in some comfortable chairs and some good company.

All I'm saying is...as a result of the tragedy in Boston, some people don't have legs to walk to their local pub so stop your superficial bickering re: "why isn't " this pub on the list. Just be happy that we can.

I feel that's an awfully poor judgement. While the Bellwoods is in a trendy neighbourhood with a lot of hipsters, I find it to have one of the better atmospheres to go and get locally made beer. Their staff has always been friendly and very knowledgeable when I've been there. I think it's easy to dislike the Bellwoods because it seems as though it's a little 'too cool'. Other than the hipsters, what put you off? The excellent beers, creative menu, or unique design?

What is a hipster? A young person who follows certain trends? All the people scared of Bellwoods for the "hipster" population sound like 1950s parents railing against the scourge of the "greaser." Young, trendy, humans shouldn't be so scary. Bellwoods Brewery is awesome and that's probably why blogTO readers chose it as the best pub in the city.

I know what you mean, Chris. My husband and I had been going to Bar Volo for years and now when we can get through the mob and have a beer, we are overwhelmed by the hipsterhood. We have decided to seek a new watering hole. Any suggestions?

#7 Betty's? Betty's shouldn't place on any list. I go there all the time, once the a/c condensation was dripping in my beer...and it's too expensive, the food is not very good, the waitresses have attitude if u want to split up the bill in groups. The beer is so limited. You're losing so much credibility right now BlogTo, my head is spinning. Betty's #7.. like... shouldn't even be number 107

This list sucks and most of these barely qualify as pubs. House on Parliament??? Pub??? It's a great spot but it is not a pub. I would consider the Gem more of a pub than that or how about a midtown favourite like The Duke Of Kent?